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The FAIRS are Coming! – Maine Bucket List Item

The Northern Maine Fair

It’s York Days!

Military Event Held at Western Maine Veteran’s Home

The FAIRS are Coming! – Maine Bucket List Item

Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine News, Maine Vacations | Comments (0)

We get off to a great start in late August and September with wonderful, fun-filled state fairs! If you’ve never taken your family to a fair in Maine, make this the year!!

Maine State Fairs

Maine State Fairs

WINDSOR FAIR – The Windsor Fair begins August 29th and runs through Labor Day, September 6th.
LOCATION: 82 Ridge Rd., Windsor, Maine.

DAY TIME DESCRIPTION
SUNDAY 29TH 1:00-2:30 Walt & Ryan Weymouth
  4:00-6:00 Cahoots
  7:00 Demolition Derby #1 (Grandstand)
MONDAY 30TH 1:00-2:30 R.B. Hall Memorial Band
  3:30-5:00 Redeem Band
  7:00 4-WD Pickup Truck Pull (Grandstand)
TUESDAY 31ST 3:00-4:00 Step in Time Cloggers
  5:00-6:00 Central Maine Squares
  7:00 Windsor Fair Queen Contest
  7:00 Farm Tractor Pull (Grandstand)
WEDNESDAY 1ST 11:30-1:30 Freedom Riders
  2:30 – 4:30 Fry Mountain Band
  5:30 – 7:30 Blistered Fingers
  7:00 Modified Truck Pull (Grandstand)
THURSDAY 2ND 12:00-5:00 Professional Silly Person (Strolling)
  11:00 – 12:30 Veteran’s Ceremony
  12:30-2:00 The Hyssongs
  3:00-4:30 The Damariscotta Lake Band
  5:30-7:30 Steve and The Good Ole Boys
  7:00 Demolition Derby #2 (Grandstand)
FRIDAY 3RD 12:00-5:00 Professional Silly Person (Strolling)
  1:30-3:00 Pickled Beats
  2:00 Charity Beano Game (Beano Bldg)
  4:30-6:30 Country Mist
  7:00 4WD Modified Pickup & ProStock Farm Tractor Pull (Grandstand)
SATURDAY 4TH 12:00-5:00 Professional Silly Person (Strolling)
  12:00-12:30 Mr. Harley
  1:00-1:45 Dana & Friends
  2:00-4:00 Simons & Goodwin
  2:00-2:30 Mr. Harley
  2:00-3:00 Kora Klowns
  3:00-3:45 Dana & Friends
  4:00-6:00 Down East Brass (Strolling)
  5:30-7:30 The Rockit Band
  7:00 Motor Booty Affair (Grandstand)
SUNDAY 5TH 10:00-11:00 North Windsor Baptist Church Service
  12:00-5:00 Professional Silly Person (Strolling)
  1:00-3:00 South of Santa Fe
  2:00-4:00 Bonnie & Peter Tucker
  4:00-6:00 Down East Brass (Strolling)
  5:00-7:00 Debbie Myers Show
  7:00 Bob Marley (Grandstand)
MONDAY 6th 12:00-1:00 Present Company
  1:30-3:30 Silver Fox Dancers

 

Sunday “Get Acquainted Day”
Monday “Woodsmen’s Day & Senior Citizens” – ( 60+) $2.00
Tuesday “Maine Apple Festival & Apple Queen Pageant”
Wednesday “Horsemen’s & Vendor Appreciation Day”
Thursday “Senior Citizens Day” – (60+) $2.00
Friday “Children’s Day” 
Saturday “4-H Day”
Sunday “Historical & Museum Day”
Monday “Labor Day”

 

BLUE HILL FAIR – September 2nd through September 6th. The Blue Hill Fair is located on Route 172, in Blue Hill, Maine.

Thursday, September 3, 4:00pm to 10:30pm
Adults $5.00
Children under 12 are Free.

  • Friday, September 4, 8:00am to 11:00pm
    Senior Citizens Day
    Thank God It’s Friday at the Fair!
    10am to 2pm, $1; 2pm to 3pm, $2; 3pm to 4pm, $3;
    4pm to 5pm, $4; 5pm to 6pm, $5; 6pm to Closing, $6Seniors as per schedule above, not to exceed $4.00
    Children under 12 are Free.
  • Saturday, Sunday, September 5 & 6, 8:00am to 11:00pm
    Adults $8.00
    Children under 12 are Free.

  • Monday, September 7, 8:00am to 10:00pm
    Adults $8.00
    Children under 12 are free.
  • All stage shows are included with the price of admission.
  • MAINE SALMON FESTIVAL – Sep 03 thru Sep 05, 2010. Sep 03 thru Sep 05, 2010 in Eastport,Maine.
    Call 207.853.4644 for information

    The Maine Salmon Festival celebrates the fishing industry of years past as well as the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry of today. Events include Paint Eastport Day, live music, fine arts, crafts and antiques fair, sailboat race, wine tent and a motorcycle rally and show.

    admin @ August 24, 2010

    The Northern Maine Fair

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine News, Maine Vacations | Comments (0)

    It’s an exciting time at the Northern Maine Fair. From July 30th through August 8th the fairgrounds will be bustling with activity. Particularly exciting this year will be Vincenta Pages and her six white bengal tigers. You can see photos of these beautiful animals and get a complete list of all the fair events, dates and times by clicking The Northern Maine Fair

    Northern Maine Fairgrounds are located at 84 Mechanic Street in Presque Isle, Maine.

    admin @ July 31, 2010

    It’s York Days!

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine News, Maine Vacations | Comments (0)

    From July 30th through August 8th, York, Maine celebrates “York Days” with a variety of exciting events held every day. It’s a festival of activities for the whole family.

    Click here for a complete list of events, locations and times.

    Plan now to enjoy some, or all, of the great activities in beautiful York, Maine!

    admin @ July 31, 2010

    Military Event Held at Western Maine Veteran’s Home

    Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)

    A beautiful sunny day was host to a versatile and exciting event at the Western Maine Veteran’s Home in So. Paris. There was a nice turnout for the event which some hope will become an annual affair. The following is a pictoral summary of the day’s events.

    PREPARATION:

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Bruce Pierce builds flag stands with Bob and Deb Walo looking on.

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Grills are ready and tables and chairs set up for the BBQ

     OPENING CEREMONIES:

     

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Lewiston/Auburn Veteran's Council

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Post 68 Jackson-Silver, Post 112 Anderson-Staples, Company A Third Maine

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Post 150 Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    God Bless America by Eileen Walo - The Wisdom That We Gained by Al Pelletier

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Administrator Joel Dutton - National Anthem sung by Tammy Benson

    MILITARY VEHICLES:

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Military Vehicle Show

     

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Military Vehicle Display

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
    Company “A” of the Third Maine Volunteer Infantry: A “Living History” reenactment was provided by Company “A” Third Maine Volunteer Infantry. It was as if people from the Civil War era were visiting. The costumes were authentic and beautifully designed. Visiting with members of the group is truly an educational experience and they enjoy sharing the history of the Civil War era as well as about their group itself. They have a website with information on joining and how to reach them. You can view it here.
    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry

     Members of Company “A” may purchase pictures here

    AND THEN THERE WAS FOOD!!!

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Nothing smells better than onions and green peppers on the grill!

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Lots of good food for everyone!

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    A couple of happy veterans with burgers, hot dogs and chicken!

     The AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS made sure there was plenty of great BBQ food! On the grill was chicken, burgers, hot dogs and those fragrant onions and green peppers and they were served with potato salad and cole slaw.  Bags of potato chips were provided by Utz in Auburn and Deb Walo baked a HUGE cake! There was plenty to drink including lemonade, iced tea, soft drinks, bottled water and coffee. The coffee and donuts for the morning were provided by Tim Hortons in Norway.

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    People in line for the BBQ

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Nothing is better than a BBQ!

    AND THERE WAS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    Davina Poulin played guitar and sang some of her own compositions.

    Western Maine Veteran's Home

    TJ's DJ Service

     TJ’s Dj service kept the music flowing all day with oldies, country and patriotic numbers.

     Jarosady also entertained and played for everyone. We hope to have a photo up soon but meanwhile you can visit their My Space site at www.myspace.com/jarosady

    It was a great day and a great way to honor all the veteran’s who have served their country well!!

    admin @ July 22, 2010

    The Amazing Maine Moose – Bucket List Item

    Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)

     

    Add seeing our famous, but sometimes elusive, moose to your Maine Bucket List today! I am a “lover of MOOSE,” dating back to my early childhood. I’ve seen many hundreds of moose in my lifetime, but I have a friend in the “Moose Lookin’” business who has tracked down and seen many more than I have. Her name is Brenda Marcotte and she owns Mooseland Tours, a moose tour business in western Maine. Brenda knows all about moose and she has an excellent track record for finding them.  I have had so much fun going on moose tours with Brenda! Not only will you learn a lot about moose, how to look for them safely, how to identify their tracks and the kind of areas they like to frequent, you will also get to see some beautiful scenery and have a great time.  If you are lucky you may also get to see other Maine wildlife, such as fox, coyote, bald eagles, hawks or maybe even a fleeting glimpse of the elusive Maine black bear. Below are some photos I took while out with Brenda from Mooseland Tours.

    bull moose

    Maine Bull Moose

    bull moose

    Young Maine Bull Moose

     Give Brenda a call at 207.890.5212 for more information and to book a tour.

    admin @ July 19, 2010

    Maine Veteran’s Event – July 17th

    Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)

    veteran's show in So.Paris, Maine

    July 15, 2010 Veteran's Event in So.Paris

    This year the Western Maine Veteran’s Home celebrates its 15th year! MaineUSA wishes to congratulate them for all they do for the veteran’s and for the community. It’s not unusual to see the Veteran’s Home bus parked at a local restaurant while the vet’s are inside enjoying a great meal. The home sponsors lots of activities throughout the year for the residents and the community. Craft fairs are held twice a year which draw in a huge crowd of crafters and buyers. they are home to some very special people.

    Saturday July 17th from 9am to 4pm, Veterans, their wives and the community is invited to the Western Maine Veteran’s Home on Western Avenue in So. Paris. The following is just a partial list of events taking place:

    •  Military vehicles from Camp Keyes and other military installations in Maine
    •  The American Legion Riders of Rumford will be barbecuing burgers, hotdogs and offering up salads and drinks
    • Colors will be posted from area groups during the opening ceremonies
    • Music will be provided by T.J’s dj services through out the event
    • Displays will be put up by the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center 
    • Area VSO’s will have information available to those interested in joining

    Bring the whole family and come and show your support for our Veteran’s and for all they did for us!

    admin @ July 12, 2010

    The Yarmouth Clam Festival

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine Vacations, People | Comments (0)

    Mark your calendar for July 16th, 17th and 18th for the 45th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival. Admission to the festival and events  is always FREE and all the proceeds from the sale of food and parking lots goes to support Yarmouth’s non-profit student, sporting, music, church, and community-service organizations.

    You won’t want to miss it. Arrive early and stay late. It’s a fun time for the whole family! Craft show, art show, Smokey’s Carnival and Rides, Face Painting, Free Belgian Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Free Admission to the Yarmouth Historical Society and MORE!!  Go to the FESTIVAL WEB SITE

    admin @ July 10, 2010

    A Photo Trip Around Orrs and Bailey Islands

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine Vacations | Comments (1)

    Orrs and Bailey's Islands

    One of my favorite day trips is to Orr’s and Bailey Islands. Originally named Newaggin by the Abenaki Indians, the name was later changed to Will’s Island when freed slave Will Black became the first settler in 1727.  The name Bailey was adopted, purportedly, when Reverend Timothy Bailey may have bought Will’s Island for one pound of tobacco and a gallon of rum from William Black.

    In another variation of the story, the minister’s wife liked the island and so the Baileys bribed municipal officials to find a flaw in Will’s title to the island and award it to them. In any event, after Timothy Bailey and his wife took possession of the island, Will Black moved to Orr’s Island.  Today I want to share a few photos that will, perhaps, inspire you to take  a trip there as well.

    Bailey and Orr's Island

    Gorgeous scenery and colorful buoys are everywhere

    Orr's and Bailey Islands

    Maine's Beautiful Rocky Coastline

    Orr's and Bailey Islands

    Fishing Boats are Everywhere

    Orr's and Bailey Island

    Fishing Shacks

    Cribstone Bridge

    Beautiful Cribstone Bridge

    The Baily Island Bridge, better known as the Cribstone Bridge connects Bailey Island to Orr’s Island. The stone tablet at the bridge reads:

    “Ths 1,150 foot bridge is an exceptional engineering solution to meet unusual conditions and is the only one of its type in the world. Open split Maine granite cribwork permits free flow of swift tidal currents, boat traffic, withstands saltwater exposure and ice floes. Completed in 1928. Engineer L. N. Edwards.”

    Check out these photos from the Curtis Library documenting the history of the bridge. They are worth a look!

    Orr's and Baily Islands

    The Island Life

    Orr's and Bailey Islands

    Fishing Boats - Cribstone Bridge

    Whether you live in Maine or are visiting, take a day and visit Orr’s and Bailey. Check out the restaurants for some yummy seafood and do a little shopping at Land’s End. Have a great day and send me a photo of you and your group or family and I’ll post it right on MaineUSA. You can contact me in the contact section!

    admin @ July 7, 2010

    Celebrate the 4th in Maine!

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine News, Maine Vacations | Comments (1)

    Maine Fireworks

    Enjoy the 4th in Maine!

    Maine is a great place to celebrate the birth of the nation. Festivities are underway in many towns already. Growing up in Portland, we usually went up on the Eastern Prom to watch the fireworks.  Over the years I have attended firework displays in other communities around the state. We love the 4th of July in Maine! Parades, Music in the Park, Great Food, and Fireworks are just a few of the things happening in Maine communities this weekend.

    Bath Heritage Days
    Bath Heritage Days activities include a carnival, arts and crafts shows, art in the park, strawberry shortcake sale, shipbuilders triathlon, parade and big fireworks finale on July 5th at 9 p.m. at the Bath waterfront.

    Ogunquit Days
    Jul 01 thru Jul 05, 2010. Ogunquit Days features activities and events all around town and is sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce.The spectacular Ogunquit fireworks display on the Main Beach starts at 9:30 pm.

    Annual Bethel Art Fair
    Jul 03, 2010. Bethel Art Fair at the Bethel Village Common runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Common. Crafts, art, kid’s activities, live entertainment and jazz, puppet show, juggling and a lot of fun.

    Cars and Antique Aeroplane Show
    Jul 03 thru Jul 04, 2010. The Annual ’50s, ’60s and ’70s Car and Antique Aeroplane Show is held at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. See the Golden Age of Autos, enjoy a classic car rally, engine room demos, Model T rides, children’s activities and more. Also see one of America’s finest flying Museums in action.

    Portland – Annual Fourth of July Celebration
    Sunday, the annual 4th of July celebration and fireworks show will be held at the Eastern Promenade Park. This year, in addition to the fireworks show, the celebration will include a free Patriotic Pops concert by the Portland Symphony Orchestra which will feature performances of Sousa, Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky making it a true Stars and Stripes Spectacular. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:40 PM and run throughout the fireworks display, which will begin at 9:20 PM. Spectators not on Munjoy Hill, can enjoy the concert by listening to a live broadcast on Maine Public Radio. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, July 5th.

    porch flag

    4th of July Celebration

    Bar Harbor – Independence Day Celebration
    Jul 03 thru Jul 04, 2010. Independence Day Celebration in Bar Harbor. Two full days of fun-filled events

    Augusta — Fourth of July parade
    “Hometown Heroes,” 1 p.m. July 4. Bands playing all afternoon; activities at Old Fort Western; fireworks at Mill Park over the Kennebec River

    Bangor – Fourth of July Parade
    Fourth of July parade, “100 Years of Boy Scouting,” sponsored by Bangor, Bangor Breakfast, Brewer, Hampden and Orono-Old Town Kiwanis clubs, 11 a.m. July 4th. Fireworks sponsored by Bangor Area Fourth of July Corp., dusk, over Penobscot River between Bangor and Brewer.

    Bar Harbor- “America the Beautiful,”
    Fourth of July parade, 10 a.m. July 3, blueberry pancake breakfast, seafood festival of lobster, mussels, corn, strawberry shortcake. Craft fair and marketplace at YMCA, high-speed lobster race. Bar Harbor Town Band, 7:30 p.m. July 4 on Village Green, free concert, fireworks at 9 p.m. over Frenchman Bay.

    Camden
    Fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 3, launched from Curtis Island toward Camden Harbor. Rain date July 5.

    Castine
    Castine Town Band, Fourth of July musical gala with Castine Brass Quintet and Tarrantine Fife and Drums, 4 p.m. July 4 at the Town Green, Court Street. Free. Bring chairs or a blanket.

    Dexter
    Fireworks at dusk Saturday, July 3, to celebrate Independence Day. The fireworks can be viewed best from the Dexter Regional High School athletic field or the Dexter Recreational Area on Lake Wassookeag.

    Eastport-Five-day Fourth of July Festival
    Exciting activities every day -Independence Day parade, 2 p.m.; fireworks, dusk.

    Millinockett
    Fourth of July adults’ and children’s parades down Central Street to Penobscot Avenue to town bandstand at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, followed by Kids Day at Jerry Pond from noon to 3 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45pm

    Unity
    Fireworks will be displayed at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 3, from the racetrack infield.

     

    admin @ July 2, 2010

    Mom’s Cod Fish Cakes

    Posted in: Everything Maine, Recipes | Comments (0)

    If you can’t get to Maine this year at least you can still enjoy some yummy cod fish cakes. Here is a recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!

    Mom’s Cod Fish Cakes
    (I grew up on these)

    Ingredients
    1 lb of cod fillets
    2 medium-sized potatoes
    1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    2 eggs, lightly beaten
    Oil for frying (Try one of the healthier choices)

    Preparation
    Boil and then mash the potatoes in large bowl (add just a tablespoon of real butter if you like. You can also add a little garlic powder if you don’t have fresh. But these are not part of the original recipe.)

    Boil the codfish until it flakes nice and easy with a fork. Drain and flake it being very careful to remove all the bones.

    Mix the fish, potatoes and remaining ingredients together well. Get your hands right in there. If the mixture is too crumbly, add another egg. If it’s a bit sticky, add some more bread crumbs. Form into cakes and fry over medium high heat in oil coated skillet.

    Approximately 12 cakes

    admin @ June 23, 2010